To see it all nicely wrapped up. Was it then that Goldsmith did not have to follow any strict rules as to how a novel was supposed to be construed? Or was he anywhere near bold in doing this.

I've never studies History of literature and although my husband has and indisputably had the VoW on his shelf he claims to have forgotten about it.(sic!) I'll look into some other source but I am grateful for your input, Elena.
The theatre thing had touched upon my mind as well. Something vaguely resembling Lover's Vows. Dear ones lost and found. Poor and rich by turns...